Early Childhood in Virginia

In Virginia, early intervention specialists are crucial in supporting young children at risk of facing poor outcomes due to disabilities, developmental delays, or challenging circumstances. Consequently, these specialists adopt a preventative approach, working closely with families and educators to tailor support for each child’s unique needs.

As a result, their efforts are aimed at improving educational and developmental outcomes, providing equitable opportunities for all children in Virginia. Moreover, by fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on specialized care, early intervention specialists lay a solid foundation for every child’s successful educational journey, making a significant impact on the state’s approach to early childhood education.

College Programs

Graduate Programs

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

Master’s Program (Online)
Financial Aid

Master’s Program 
Financial Aid

Old Dominion University

Master’s Program
Learn More

Doctorate Program
Learn More

Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Associate’s Program
Financial Aid

Liberty University

Associate’s Program (Online)
Learn More

Bachelor’s Program (Online)
Learn More

Financial Aid

James Madison University

Associate’s Program 
Learn More

Bachelor’s Program 
Learn More

Financial Aid

Certifications

Virginia Western Community College

Certification (Early Childhood Development)
Learn More

Certification (Early Childhood Development – Advanced)
Learn More

Certification (Early Childhood Development – Infant & Toddler)
Learn More

Financial Aid

Virginia Highlands Community College

Certification (Infant and Toddler Care)
Learn More

Certification (Early Childhood Development, Special Needs)
Learn More

Financial Aid

Southwest Virginia Community College

Certification (Early Childhood Development)
Learn More

Certification (Infant and Toddler)
Learn More

Financial Aid

Graduate Programs

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

University of Virginia

Master’s Program
Learn More

Doctorate Program
Learn More

Financial Aid

James Madison University

Master’s Program
Learn More

Doctorate Program
Learn More

Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Graduate Programs

Radford University

Master’s Program
Learn More

Doctorate Program
Learn More

Financial Aid

Shenandoah University

Master’s Program
Learn More

Master’s Program (Loudoun)
Learn More

Doctorate Program
Learn More

Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Scholarships & Grants

General Scholarships & Grants

Tuition and required fees

The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth Award is to assist undergraduate students with financial need, as well as graduate students, in paying part of their college costs.

The funds are appropriated directly to each state-supported institution. Funds may be used for need-based grants to Virginia resident undergraduates or for grants or assistantships to graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state). The law requires that the awards to undergraduates be proportional to need so that the students with the greatest need receive the largest awards.

Amount: up to $5,000

Established in 1972, the Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) is designed to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Virginia for other than religious training or theological education. The VTAG is authorized in § 23.1-628 of the Code of Virginia as the Tuition Assistance Grant Act.

Established in 2007, the Two-Year College Transfer Grant Program (CTG) provides an incentive for students to first complete an associate degree at a Virginia public two-year college before transferring to a participating Virginia four-year college or university as a means to reduce the overall cost towards completing a bachelor’s degree. For more details, please see the CTG Application and Transfer Grant Fact Sheet on the left side bar.

In addition to already paying lower tuition charges for their freshman and sophomore years while attending a two-year college, qualifying students may also receive a CTG award once they transfer to the participating four-year institution.

Educator Scholarships & Grants

Amount: up to $10,000

The primary purpose of the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP) is to provide financial support to students who are interested in pursuing a teaching career in one of the top ten critical shortage teaching areas. Furthermore, these shortage areas are determined each year through the Supply and Demand Survey for School Personnel, which is based on data received from school divisions across Virginia.

General Scholarships & Grants

To begin with, colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. As a result, assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

In order to remain eligible, applicants must submit the FAFSA each year to maintain their financial aid status.

Specifically, the Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much aid a student may receive. In detail, these estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI). Then, officials use this figure to determine federal student aid eligibility.

To begin with, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as federal student loans. In particular, ED designed these loans to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.

For example, students may use this financial support to pay for expenses related to attending a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.

A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.

Initially, direct PLUS Loans help cover education expenses that other financial aid does not pay for. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education offers these loans to eligible graduate or professional students. In addition, they are available through schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program.

Firstly, this grant supports undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Specifically, the financial assistance office at each participating school administers it directly.

However, it is important to note that not all schools take part in this program.

Specifically, the program offers students part-time employment opportunities while they attend school. Moreover, it is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, both full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.

Moreover, participating schools administer the program and place a strong emphasis on civic education-related jobs. In particular, it prioritizes work connected to your course of study or civic engagement, whether on campus or in the community.

Educator Scholarships & Grants

Amount: $17,500

You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified special education teacher at the elementary or secondary level. Accordingly, your primary responsibility was providing special education to children with disabilities.

Moreover, you must have taught students with disabilities that align with your area of special education training. In addition, you must have demonstrated strong knowledge and teaching skills in the curriculum areas you taught.

Amount: $4,000/yr

The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants. In particular, it supports students who are completing or planning to complete the coursework required to start a career in teaching.

Educator Career Development Grants

Amount: Up to $500
The Association of American Educators provides grants and scholarships for teachers. Specifically, grants can be used to purchase classroom supplies. Meanwhile, scholarships are available to support professional development.

The McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation offers academic enrichment grants and teacher development grants.

Supports professional development projects that directly and significantly benefit teachers’ students. However, application requirements vary by state.

Offers grants for teachers. These grants help fund participation in professional development programs, including summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad, and action research.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program helps U.S.-based educators bring international perspectives to their schools.

Specifically, it funds a one-year professional learning opportunity and an international exchange that lasts a few weeks.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individual teachers and groups of teachers.

They support the integration of innovative pedagogical strategies that promote critical inquiry.

Furthermore, such interventions should include observations on how these strategies impact students.

To help students in the education field afford higher education, the sponsor offers financial support.

They believe educators have the power to spark positive change in students’ lives and shape their futures. Applicants must be current college students majoring in education.

Classroom Grants

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Arts Fund supports art education at all levels.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Social-Emotional Wellness Fund supports teachers in addressing their students’ social-emotional wellness.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Inclusive Classroom Fund provides educators with the supplies they need to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Racial Equity in Schools Fund supports students and teachers of color by providing flexible funding for essential resources.

This includes multicultural books, professional development opportunities, school supplies, and financial support for equity-focused initiatives.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The STEM Fund supports science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives.

Amount: Up to $5,000

This program offers grants for K–12 educators to fund large special projects in their classrooms. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the project subject. However, each project must benefit more than fifteen students.

Amount: Up to $1,000
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation offers funding for art supplies, with a special focus on students who learn differently.

Amount: $2,000 to $25,000
Sponsored by Voya Financial, the Voya Unsung Heroes awards fund effective and innovative projects that improve student learning.

Amount: Two large supply boxes

Each teacher served will receive two large boxes of core school supplies. These supplies are designed to last for at least one semester. Each box includes pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens.

In addition, items are tailored to grade level. For example, younger grades receive crayons and markers, while older students get highlighters and colored pencils.

Amount: up to $750
The grant will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources. In particular, it supports projects that would otherwise not be covered by the school’s budget.

Amount: $500
AAE Foundation grants can be used for books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.

They may also cover other approved supplies or projects. However, funds must be spent within one year of the application deadline.

Teachers post their needs on the Donors Choose website and donors—both private individuals and big-name retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy—decide which requests to fund.

The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities (ETechM2) Program is to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.

It does this by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology, and (2) supporting educational activities designed to provide value in the classroom.

In addition, it (3) funds captioning and video description suitable for classroom use, and (4) ensures children with disabilities receive accessible educational materials in a timely manner.

Amount: $500.00
The Special Education Resource Grants Program has delivered numerous benefits. As a result, it provides teachers with valuable resources to help students maximize their skills. In many cases, these resources have enabled students to read, write, and even speak for the first time.

Amount: $1,000
The Awesome Foundation is a global community dedicated to promoting creativity and innovation.

Founded during the long summer days of 2009 in Boston, the foundation awards $1,000 grants—no strings attached—to support unique projects and their creators. At each chapter, funds are pooled from around ten self-organizing “micro-trustees.”

These contributions are then given directly to recipients in cash, check, or even gold doubloons.